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Tips can get your kids to exercise
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Published: August 5, 2009
Getting your children to exercise is about as easy as getting them to make their beds, clean their rooms and take out the garbage.
In fact, it rates right up there with getting them to eat right and make good food choices.
At times, I felt like a parrot asking my children if they had been active that day, or if they had made good food choices at school.
Of course, they always told me that they did, but I later found out that they traded their carrots and apples for Dove bars and Twinkies.
Actually, they did not trade them. I think the other kids just felt sorry for them and gave them what they were eating.
Well, that was then and this is now. I am happy to say my children now make great food choices, and each of them have their special exercise routine that they do consistently.
I could not be prouder of the young adults they have become.
So never give up on your child's wellness program. Continue to tell them all the right things to do, and even though you feel like they are not listening, I guarantee you that they are.
You know the saying "Some day you will thank me for this."
Well, believe it or not, my children have thanked me for helping them develop good healthy habits over the years.
Most of all, they have thanked Mike and I for practicing what we preach. When your children are young, patterns are set for a lifetime.
The influence you have can help your child develop habits he or she will carry for years.
Like it or not, you are the role model that they most likely will follow physically, spiritually and emotionally.
I know that is a scary thought, but it should keep us walking our talk.
Of course, no one is perfect, and trust me, my children would be the first to tell you that about me, but I do try to be consistent with the things that matter most in life.
Your lifestyle influences your children more than you know. If you take a positive role in their life today, you can greatly improve their tomorrow.
Following are a few ways to encourage physical activity in your family:
Turn off the television: Thirty-five percent of teens report they watch television for three or more hours every school day.
Cut down the television time for the whole family and get active with something outside. It can be as simple as a quick bike ride or walking the dog. You cannot expect your children to limit television time if you are spending hours watching your favorite shows.
Encourage your teen to find a friend to work out with: Most teens (and by that I mean all teens) do not like to do anything by themselves.
Go out of your way to help them find a friend to walk with or bike with.
Given the choice, most teens will choose video games over outside games.
So, a little encouragement from you will go a long way. Your child will respond positively if they feel you are supporting them, not nagging them.
Involve them in a sport: Encourage them to try a school sport. They will make new friends and get a lot of activity.
In next's week column, I will give you even more ways to make fitness fun for the whole family. Until then, hope to see you and your family on the trails.
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